NEW
ORLEANS
? University of New Orleans head women's basketball
coach Amy Champion signed prep players Tiara George,
Tylah Black and Deana Allen on Wednesday during the first day of the early
signing period for women's basketball.
With UNO continuing
their push to move up in the Sun Belt Conference, Champion has brought in three players
who are used to winning, including two who were part of state championship
squads last season.
George is a member of
the two-time defending Louisiana 4A state
champions at Glen Oaks HS in Baton
Rouge. The 6'1” forward is a former teammate of
current Lady Privateers guard Brittany Helm.
Last season, George
was named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association 4A All-State honorable
mention squad.
“Tiara is a great athlete with size and range,”
said Champion. “It's always nice to sign a big guard that is versatile and can
play In the post position. She is extremely talented and will be an immediate impact
player for our program. She is one of the best players in the state and we are
glad to get her here to play with her former teammate Brittany Helm.”
A 6'3” post, Black
plays for Duncanville HS in Duncanville,
Texas and is one of four senior
girls from her squad to have signed to play at the next level. Last year, Black
was part of a 29-7 team that reached the area-round of the Texas 5A girl's basketball playoffs.
“Tylah is a pure
athlete,” said Champion. “She reminds me of Talishia Young. She is long, lean,
athletic and can score around the basket. She comes from a great program and we
are thrilled to have her join our family. Tylah brings rebounding and scoring
in the post position and will fill the void left by Andrea Williams.”
The last member of
the class, Allen comes from Louisiana 5A state
champion Ellender High School in Houma,
La.
Allen was named the
?Most Outstanding Player' in Class 5A by the LSWA in 2007 in addition to
placement on the Class 5A First-Team. As a sophomore in 2006, she was named
All-State honorable mention by the LSWA.
“Deana is a
phenomenal athlete with a great basketball IQ,” said Champion. “She is a true
scorer and will be expected to fill the void left by Le'Della English. Her
athleticism, speed and quickness will expand our perimeter game and I expect
her to be an immediate contributor.”
All three players will
join the Lady Privateers on the floor during the 2008-09 campaign.
Lady Privateers
Signing Class
Tiara George, 6'1”,
Forward, Glen Oaks HS (Baton Rouge,
LA)
Tylah Black, 6'3”,
Post, Duncanville
HS (Duncanville, TX)
Deana Allen, 5'8”,
Guard, Ellender HS (Houma, LA)
